Istanbul Old City Tour – Full Day

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating heart of Istanbul with the Istanbul Old City Tour – Full Day. This comprehensive excursion promises to whisk you away to the city’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks, expertly guided by knowledgeable locals. From the grandeur of the Hippodrome and the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia to the vibrant energy of the Grand Bazaar, each stop offers a unique glimpse into Istanbul’s remarkable past. With comfortable transportation, a delectable lunch, and a well-paced itinerary, this tour caters to the diverse needs of every traveler. Enjoy the rich tapestry of this enchanting city and uncover the hidden stories that have captivated visitors for centuries.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Istanbul.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day group tour covering Istanbul’s iconic Old City highlights, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar.
• Experienced guides provide in-depth historical and cultural insights to enhance visitors’ understanding of Istanbul’s remarkable heritage.
• Includes a complimentary traditional Turkish lunch and air-conditioned transportation, ensuring a comfortable and well-rounded tour experience.
• Offers free hotel pickup and drop-off service from central Istanbul locations, ensuring a hassle-free start to the day.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policies, with the lowest price guarantee, cater to the diverse needs and preferences of travelers.

Tour Overview

This full-day group tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic Old City, showcasing its profound historical and cultural significance.

Led by experienced guides, the tour covers the city’s must-see highlights, including the Hippodrome, Sogukcesme Sokak, the German Fountain, the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, the captivating Blue Mosque, the bustling Grand Bazaar, and the grand Topkapi Palace.

Travelers will gain a comprehensive understanding of Istanbul’s rich history and heritage, allowing them to fully appreciate the city’s enduring charm.

The comfortable pace of the tour ensures visitors can take in each site at their own leisure, creating an unforgettable experience.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes a complimentary lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant, providing an authentic culinary experience.

Plus, an air-conditioned vehicle transports participants comfortably throughout the day’s itinerary.

All necessary entrance fees and taxes are covered, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Visitors also have the option to purchase tickets for the Hagia Sophia museum at an additional cost of €25.

This comprehensive package allows guests to fully appreciate the highlights of Istanbul’s Old City without the worry of managing individual tickets and transportation.

The tour’s inclusions cater to the diverse needs and preferences of travelers, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable exploration of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Pickup and Start Time

The tour begins promptly at 8:30 am, and the organizers offer free pickup and drop-off service from central hotels in Istanbul.

This convenient arrangement ensures a seamless start to the day’s exploration of the city’s historic Old Town.

Participants have the option to be picked up from their hotels, which provides a stress-free beginning to the tour.

The pickup service covers:

1. Hotels located in the central districts of Istanbul
2. Easy access to the tour’s starting point
3. Coordination with the tour group for a timely departure

This inclusive service allows travelers to focus on the immersive experience ahead, without worrying about transportation logistics.

Tour Details

Up to 25 travelers can join this comprehensive Istanbul Old City tour, making it an intimate and personalized experience. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing participants of all abilities to fully engage with the city’s rich history and cultural landmarks. Plus, the tour is situated near public transportation, providing convenience for those who wish to explore the area further on their own.

Feature	Description
Group Size	Maximum of 25 travelers
Accessibility	Wheelchair and stroller accessible
Transportation	Near public transportation
Seating	Infants must sit on laps
Duration	Full-day tour

The tour’s small group size, accessibility, and proximity to public transportation ensure a comfortable and seamless experience for all participants, allowing them to fully enjoy the wonders of Istanbul’s Old City.

Booking and Cancellation

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, providing travelers with immediate assurance of their reservation. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, offering flexibility should plans change.

Plus, the tour operator guarantees the lowest price, ensuring customers get the best value for their money.

Booking this Istanbul Old City Tour is straightforward and hassle-free. Key details include:

1. Confirmation is provided instantly upon booking.
2. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance at no cost.
3. The tour operator stands behind their pricing, promising the lowest available rate.

With these flexible and transparent booking policies, travelers can confidently plan their Istanbul sightseeing adventure.

Explore Hippodrome

The Hippodrome, a vast public plaza and stadium dating back to the Byzantine era, serves as the starting point for the Istanbul Old City Tour. Originally used for chariot races, this historic site showcases a selection of ancient monuments and architectural wonders that provide insight into the city’s remarkable past.

Visitors will see the German Fountain, a lavish structure built in the late 19th century to commemorate the German Emperor’s visit. They’ll also spot the Obelisk of Theodosius, a towering Egyptian obelisk that was brought to Constantinople in the 4th century.

As the group explores this iconic square, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of the Ottoman Empire.

Discover Hagia Sophia

From the Hippodrome, the tour group moves on to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a magnificent architectural masterpiece that has stood as a testament to Istanbul’s rich history for centuries.

Constructed in the 6th century, this former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque now functions as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s remarkable past.

Highlights of the Hagia Sophia tour include:

1. The immense central dome, which soars 180 feet above the ground and is considered an engineering marvel.
2. The intricate Byzantine mosaics adorning the walls, which depict religious figures and scenes.
3. The beautiful mihrab, a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca, a remnant of the structure’s time as a mosque.

Experience Grand Bazaar

After marveling at the Hagia Sophia’s grandeur, the tour group proceeds to the iconic Grand Bazaar, where they can enjoy the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of this bustling marketplace.

Occupying a massive 61-street complex, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, housing thousands of shops that offer a dazzling array of traditional Turkish handicrafts, textiles, spices, and antiques.

Visitors can bargain with friendly vendors, sample local delicacies, and lose themselves in the labyrinth of alleyways, discovering unique treasures at every turn. The Grand Bazaar is a true feast for the senses, providing a captivating glimpse into the heart of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Hagia Sophia?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Hagia Sophia, although flash photography is prohibited to protect the historic structure. Visitors should follow the guidelines and directions provided by the site staff during their visit.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious sites visited. Casual, conservative attire is recommended.

Can We Stop for Breaks During the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows for breaks throughout the day. The pace is comfortable, allowing participants to fully appreciate the sights while having opportunities to rest, refreshment, and explore the sites at their own leisure.

How Much Time Will Be Spent at Each Location?

The tour typically spends 1-1.5 hours at each major site, allowing ample time to explore and learn about the history and significance of landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Flexibility is maintained to ensure a comprehensive, yet comfortable experience.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is required for this tour. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it suitable for travelers of all abilities.

Recap

The Istanbul Old City Tour – Full Day offers an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks. Travelers can expect a comfortable and well-rounded experience, with guided visits to must-see sites like the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace.

With complimentary lunch, air-conditioned transportation, and an in-depth understanding of Istanbul’s rich heritage, this tour is an ideal choice for those seeking to discover the remarkable past of this captivating city.